Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-04-01
ODD THINGS IN CHINA.
Interesting Facts CoIlated by a CIV
ilized and Cultivated Ex- Mandarin.


gentleman is TO have a nice coffin and
a fine funeral.
They feed their friends sumptuously
when dead, but let them take care of
themselves the best they could while
alive
Old women instead Of the young are
the idles (belles) of society.
The highest rec ommendaton man
can have is in the fact of his having a
wife.
A bachelor is likened TO a counter
felt coin; he is looked upon with suspi-
con even by members of his own house
hold
Love-making is only done three days
after marriage. 1t is not only consd-
cred the safest way to get ahead of a
rival, but the surest way to get wife
without loosing much time.
A previous acquaintanceship between
the male and female prevents them
from marriage. For this reason man
seldom weds girl of his own town.
They are likewise prevented from mar
rying kins or namesakes. Joneses are
not allowed to marry Joneses, nor
Smiths to marry Smiths.
A girl is never considered anything
else in her own fathers house than an
honored guest. She is neither respon-
sible for the family's debts nor enjoys
share in its fortunes, as in the case of
sons.
Daughters depend upon their hus-
bands for fame and fortune, while
sons depend upon the parents and
upon themselves.
a man could borrow money on the
strength of his having a son, but no one
would advance him a cent if he had a
dozen daughters. The former is re-
sponsibe for the debts of his father for
three generations. The latter is only
responsible for the debts of her own
husband.
When a Chinaman meets another he
shakes and squeezes his own hands;
covers his head. If great friends had
not seen each other for long time,
after the mutual Misunderstanding they
would rub shoulders until they become
tired. Instead of asking each others
health they would say: Have you
eaten your rice, where are YOU going.
what is your business when YOU get
there. how old are YOU and how much
did YOU pay for your shoes?
Men wear long petticoats and carry
fans. while the women wear short JAG
kets and carry canes.
Boats are drawn by horses, carriages
moved by sails.
Old men play balls and fly kites,
while children fold their arms and look
| on.
! SchOolmastcTs have N re power over
young than parents. II within three
years schooling the chill is not moral
ly as well as intellectual Y reformed he
is sent into another SCH OIL.
Parents aud spectator, instead of the
children are held respon IDLE for crimes
committed by the latter
at is better to be ign rant and know
how to live than to be learned and not
know how to live. The prime pal OBJ
iect of a school is to learn how to live
in tranquility aud happiness and moth
ing more. SO say all Chinese
scholars.
1t is much lesser crime 10 steal your
neighbours OK than TO steal his dog.
The former is simply personal proper
ty, while the latter takes the place of
a Waterman.
If Chinaman desires the death Of an
enemy he goes and hangs himself upon
his neighbours door. 1t is sure cure to
kill not only that particular enemy, but
members of his entire family will be in
jeopardy OF losing their lives.
When Chinaman desires a visitor to
dine with him he does not ask him TO
do so, but when he does not wish him
to stay he puts the question. "Oh,
please stay and dine with men The
visitor will then know he is not wanted.
A rich mans servant gets no salary,
yet many are the applicants; while big
salaries are paid to the servants Of the
common people but few make appllca-
tons. The perquisites of the former.
often more than triple the salaries of
the latter, are the sole reasons of these
differences.
When a Chinaman expects n present
and it does not come he sends one of
lesser value.
To encourage honesty and sincerity.
confidential clerks and statesmen in all
branches Of industries receive an annual
net percentage of the firms business
besides their regular salaries. - Wong
! Chin Foo, IN Nep York World.